Everything homeowners ask about building an ADU in Savannah — answered with 2026 data.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Select residential zones (non-historic) in Savannah, GA. The maximum size for a detached ADU is 40% of the principal building's footprint, capped at 700 sq ft / 1 bedroom in most districts (1,000 sq ft / 2 bedrooms in A-1, RSF-E, RSF-20, RSF-30); 400 sq ft minimum (May 2023 amendment). Attached ADUs can be up to Same 40%-of-footprint rule and district caps as detached. Savannah has an ADU-friendliness score of 5/10. Check our full Savannah ADU rules page for complete zoning details.
ADU construction in Savannah typically costs $130,000-$260,000. The cost per square foot averages $175-$345. Garage conversions are more affordable at $70,000-$160,000, while prefab ADUs cost $100,000-$220,000. Permit fees add $2,800-$4,500 to your budget. See our detailed Savannah ADU cost guide.
Detached ADUs in Savannah can be up to 40% of the principal building's footprint, capped at 700 sq ft / 1 bedroom in most districts. Attached ADUs are limited to Same 40%-of-footprint rule and district caps as detached. Junior ADUs (JADUs) have a cap of Not allowed. Maximum height is 25 ft or the principal building's height, whichever is less. You are allowed up to 1 ADU per lot on a qualifying lot.
Rear setback: 4 feet (detached accessory; Confirm with Savannah Planning for your zone). Side setback: 4 feet (Confirm with Savannah Planning for your zone). Front setback: 25 feet. Note that garage conversions may be exempt from setback requirements if the existing structure is already within the setback area.
1 space per unit. Many cities and states have been relaxing ADU parking requirements in recent years. In California, no additional parking is required for ADUs near transit.
No owner-occupancy provision appears in the adopted ordinance. Note that owner-occupancy rules vary by state law — California and several other states have eliminated this requirement for standard ADUs.
The ADU permit review timeline in Savannah is typically 75-120 days. Plan check: 3-4 weeks. Pre-approved plans availability: Not available.
Average ADU rental income in Savannah: 1-bedroom units rent for $1,300-$1,800/month, 2-bedroom units for $1,700-$2,400/month. Short-term rentals: Permitted with license. Expected ROI: 6-8% annual return.
The minimum lot size for an ADU in Savannah is Relative rule: the lot must be at least 150% of the district's minimum lot area (reduced from 200% in May 2023; variances possible down to 125%). This applies to detached ADUs — garage conversions and JADUs may have different or no lot size requirements.
Garage conversions are one of the most popular and affordable ADU options. In Savannah, a garage conversion typically costs $70,000-$160,000. The key advantages are lower cost (no foundation work), potential setback exemptions, and faster permitting. Read our complete garage conversion guide.
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